Man denies attempted murder after Station Street blaze and stabbing
A man from Ipswich has appeared at Ipswich Crown Court charged in connection with a fire at a council-owned flat and the stabbing of a neighbour who tried to flee the building.
Samuel Huggins, 55, of Station Street, Ipswich, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, arson with intent to endanger life and threatening a person with an offensive weapon. The alleged incident took place on 26 June 2025 at a council flat on Station Street.
Emergency services were called to a blaze at the premises at 8.48am. A neighbour, named in court as Gary Kerr, was taken to hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds to the stomach while attempting to escape the building.
Evidence from fire service witness
On the third day of the trial, a witness from Suffolk Fire and Rescue gave evidence about the condition of the flat when officers arrived. The witness described the interior as substantially scorched and gave an assessment of where the fire began.
the inside of the flat was "blackened" when he arrived
The fire officer said he had not been among the original responders but was called in when it became necessary to have an investigating fire officer attend the scene. He estimated the ignition occurred between 20 and 40 minutes before the fire was discovered. Officers located a burning bag of clothing, books and documents in a space where a washing machine would normally sit.
Defendant accepts starting fire but denies intent
Court was told that Huggins accepts he started the fire, although he disputes the allegations that amount to arson with intent to endanger life and the other charges. He has been supported in the dock by family members during proceedings.
The prosecution alleges not only that a fire was started in the council flat but that Huggins stabbed his neighbour repeatedly with a kitchen knife as the man tried to leave the burning building. Huggins denies the attempted murder and the other charges; the trial is ongoing.
Local impact and unanswered questions
The case raises immediate questions for residents of council accommodation and the wider Ipswich community about building safety, tenant vulnerability and the emergency response to incidents in densely occupied housing. While the trial will determine criminal responsibility, the evidence so far — particularly the fire service testimony on the location and timing of ignition — will be central to the jury's assessment of intent and risk to life.
- Date of incident: 26 June 2025
- Location: Council-owned flat, Station Street, Ipswich
- Defendant: Samuel Huggins, 55, of Station Street
- Victim: Gary Kerr (taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds)
- Charges: Attempted murder; arson with intent to endanger life; threatening a person with an offensive weapon
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time fire service called | 8.48am |
| Estimated time between ignition and discovery | 20–40 minutes (witness estimate) |
| Items burning at origin | Bag of clothing, books and documents |
What happens next
The trial continues at Ipswich Crown Court. As is customary in an active prosecution, further witness statements and forensic evidence will be presented to the jury. The precise sequence of what occurred inside the flat, the defendant's state of mind, and whether the fire was started with the intention of endangering life are matters the court must now determine.
For neighbours and council tenants in Ipswich, the case will be watched closely. Beyond the criminal proceedings, local authorities and housing managers may be required to consider any lessons for safety and tenancy support arising from the incident once the facts have been established in court.
Further updates will follow as the trial progresses and as the court publishes judgments and sentencing, if applicable.
